Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote social justice and fair labor practices. Established in 1919, the ILO has a mission to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection, and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues. The organization operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 3,300 employees. The ILO is committed to achieving its goals through international labor standards, policies, and programs that address the needs of workers and employers alike.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager will play a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of a sustainable livelihoods program in Sri Lanka, particularly focusing on the Northern Province, which has been significantly impacted by economic hardships and climate-related disasters. The position requires a strategic approach to managing the program's objectives, ensuring that they are met on time and within budget while adhering to ILO's financial and operational procedures. The Project Manager will lead a multidisciplinary team, providing technical guidance and support for future initiatives in the sector. This role involves not only managing day-to-day operations but also advocating for the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all project aspects, thereby promoting the ILO's values and the Decent Work Agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure effective implementation of the Project/Programme by providing necessary inputs, delivering outputs, and planning, monitoring, and evaluating activities in accordance with ILO policies and guidelines.
• Manage the project budget effectively, ensuring funds are allocated and utilized appropriately.
• Oversee human resource management for the project, including recruitment and performance evaluations.
• Provide technical advice and secretariat support to government ministries and key partners in collaboration with the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director.
• Strengthen partnerships with governments, NGOs, and donor organizations to enhance project visibility and facilitate scaling-up of interventions.
• Promote ILO policies and standards, ensuring gender equality and non-discrimination are integrated into all project activities.
• Engage in local resource mobilization efforts to secure funding for future project activities.
• Develop and disseminate project materials, maintain information databases, and prepare reports on project implementation.
• Identify training needs and organize workshops for stakeholders to enhance their capabilities. 1
• Lead the identification of agricultural commodities for value chain development and establish public-private engagement platforms for strategic planning.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in development economics, particularly with a focus on agriculture enterprise, value chain development, climate change mitigation, or gender. Proven experience in managing development cooperation activities at the international level is essential. Familiarity with ILO policies and procedures, as well as experience working with government officials, is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership skills, the ability to work effectively in a team, and excellent interpersonal skills. Additionally, candidates must have the capacity to advocate for policy changes and promote knowledge sharing within the organization.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in development economics with a focus on agriculture enterprise, value chain development, climate change mitigation, or gender is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in a relevant field, combined with two additional years of relevant experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
At least seven years of relevant professional experience in managing development cooperation activities, including international experience, is required. Experience in entrepreneurship or local economic development approaches is preferred, as is experience in designing and implementing climate mitigation and resilience initiatives in rural settings. Past work experience in Sri Lanka is considered a significant advantage, as it demonstrates familiarity with local contexts and challenges.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English is mandatory. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for one year, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds, continuing need for the functions, and satisfactory performance. The ILO values diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The recruitment process includes an online application form, and candidates may be contacted for written tests or interviews. The ILO has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse and conducts background verifications of candidates under consideration. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.